How did Erik Neander end up running the Rays?  Well, it's interesting ...  ST. PETERSBURG - The first major deal Erik Neander worked on after his October 2014 promotion to Rays vice president was the one that sent Wil Myers to the Padres and got Steven Souza Jr. and other pieces from the Nationals …

No one wants to trade away this Rangers star any more  —  My, how times have changed, and it has nothing to do with the Texas Rangers turning into deficit hawks this off-season even though they have deep ownership pockets and annual TV income to spend lavishly.

Welcome to spring: Five stories that could shape the Royals' 2018 season  —  The forever cliche is that hope springs eternal, even as your hometown club embarks on another rebuilding plan, even as the memories of champagne and parades fade into the past, even as the sport itself is racked by uncertainty …

Ybor Rays?  Team ready to announce Tampa ballpark site, Hagan says  —  TAMPA After years of speculation and courtship, the Tampa Bay Rays are finally expected to announce Friday that they want to relocate the team to Tampa, according to Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan.

Pitchers and Catchers Report Soon.  Which Teams Stand a Chance in 2018?  —  Picture an Olympic stadium, but not for skiing or skating or lugeing or curling.  With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training this week, it's time to think of running.  —  That's right — running.

Mike Foltynewicz and Braves hold hearing over smallest gap since 1994  —  PHOENIX — Pitcher Mike Foltynewicz went to salary arbitration with the Atlanta Braves over a difference of $100,000, the smallest gap in a hearing since 1994.  —  The 26-year-old right-hander asked Gary Kendellen …

Wainwright: ‘Now is not the time to save anything’  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • At one point during his bullpen session Friday morning at the Cardinals' spring training complex, Adam Wainwright did what Adam Wainwright is known to do and spun a curve to an unsuspecting catcher, Carson Kelly.

Indians eyeing World Series title after '17 postseason flop  —  FILE - In this Sept. 24, 2017, file photo, Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber throws against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a baseball game in Seattle.  Determined to end their World Series title drought …

Revamped Rays have new look in 2018 after 4 losing seasons  —  Tampa Bay Rays will have a new look in 2018.  —  A lingering question entering spring training is to what extent.  —  Evan Longoria is gone.  So are  —  Alex Cobb,  —  Logan Morrison and Lucas Duda.  —  Jake Odorizzi, and maybe even two-time All-Star

Tim Tebow, who isn't yet in Mets camp, still determined to crack MLB: ‘I love trying to prove people wrong’  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Tim Tebow has not arrived yet in Mets camp, but his absence is understandable.  —  After all, how many minor leaguers get to make the rounds on the late-night talk show circuit, too?

Aging Mets will have to defy all analytical odds to make playoffs  —  Even as the Mets have made good on their intention to take advantage of this slow-moving free agent market, it's impossible not to notice they're not getting any younger.  —  And that seems to matter more than ever …

Aaron Boone was ready to take another MLB job before Yankees called  —  Aaron Boone never thought he was going to be the Yankees' manager, until he was.  —  Boone told USA Today he originally had plans to leave ESPN's “Sunday Night Baseball” to join the front office of another MLB team before getting the Yankees job.